Matthews Cabin Brainerd, Minnesota

Matthew Cabin on Gull Lake, outside of Brainerd, Minnesota, represents a collaborative approach to site design emphasizing a connection to the lake, materiality, natural light, and privacy. Three structures – cabin, sauna, and garage – sit perpendicular to the lake with long parallel terraces, pergolas, and screens which ground the structures to the land. All existing trees on the site were saved, reinforcing the connection between the cabin and the land. The resulting site design highlights the modernity and minimalism of the architecture.

The progression of spaces and walks embrace the linearity of the site. A thin path, running parallel to the garage, passes through a series of bluestone walls to connect house and garage. Bluestone terraces anchor the east and west sides of the cabin and provide each a morning and an afternoon gathering space.

• Collaboration: Salmela Architect
• Awards: 2005 ASLA Award of Excellence (Minnesota Chapter)
• Photography: Peter Kerze